The incomparable Shel Silverstein, artist and poet, first published Where the Sidewalk Ends in 1974. His poems, much like Dr. Seuss’ best work, spoke not only to the children they were aimed at, but also to adults. Many of his poems are whimsical and silly, but often they touch on serious subjects, and sometimes they unexpectedly fill you with inspiration. The following, “Listen to the Mustn’ts,” is just such a poem.

Listen to Mustn'ts, child, listen to the Don'ts.
Listen to the Shouldn'ts, the Impossibles, the Won'ts.
Listen to the Never Haves, then listen close to me.
      Anything can happen, child, Anything can be.
 

~ Evan Derrick

Purchase "Where the Sidewalk Ends" here.